In Episode 109 of Everyday Epigenetics: Raw, Real, Relatable, host Susan Robbins is joined by wellness educator Shelly Jefferis, M.A. for a powerful, honest conversation about toxins, lifestyle, and how everyday choices shape our genetic expression.
This episode isn’t about fear, perfection, or trying to eliminate every chemical from your life. It’s about awareness. Because when you understand what actually impacts your body, and what’s within your control, you can make smarter choices without feeling overwhelmed.
How Toxins Influence Genetic Expression
Susan and Shelly break down how environmental toxins can quietly affect the body by increasing inflammation, suppressing detox pathways, and influencing how certain genes are expressed. Over time, repeated exposures, from food, skincare, cleaning products, fragrances, and even “wellness” supplements, can add up.
What makes this conversation different is the grounded perspective: some exposures are unavoidable, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to control everything, it’s to reduce what you can and support your body so it can do what it’s designed to do.
The Biggest Red Flags Hiding in Plain Sight
Shelly shares decades of experience reading labels and educating others on common toxin sources most people overlook. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame, heavily processed “health” foods, scented household products, and greenwashed packaging are all discussed, along with why “sugar-free” doesn’t always mean healthier.
Susan connects this back to epigenetics, explaining how chronic exposure can impact inflammation genes and detox capacity, especially for people who are genetically more sensitive. Many symptoms people chalk up to “getting older” or “being busy” may actually be signals the body is overloaded.
Start Where You Are (That’s Enough)
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is relief: you don’t have to do everything. Start with one or two changes, reading ingredient labels, choosing less processed foods, reducing synthetic fragrances, or prioritizing sleep, movement, and hydration.
This conversation is empowering, practical, and deeply validating. If you’ve ever felt confused, anxious, or skeptical about toxins and wellness trends, this episode will help you cut through the noise, and remind you that small, consistent choices truly add up.
RESOURCES:
Connect with Shelly Jefferis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish
Yuka: https://yuka.io/en/
Primally Pure: https://primallypure.com/
Crunchy: https://crunchi.com/
Branch Basics: https://branchbasics.com/
https://healthyawakening.co/2026/02/02/episode109
Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/
Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast
Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links
Connect with Susan:
- Check out Susan’s NEW E-book! Download it FREE here: https://healthyawakening.co/ebook-signup
- Contact me for your DNA testing or epigenetic coaching! To schedule a FREE consultation, send an email to susan@healthyawakening.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanrobbinshealthyawakening
Instagram: @susanrobbins_epigeneticcoach
Susan’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/susanrobbins
Learn more about our guest Shelly Jefferis:
Shelly Jefferis, M.A. is an expert in wellness & longevity and has been in the profession for over 40 years. She is an educator, speaker & mentor. Through teaching & her compassionate nature, she is dedicated to the goal of impacting the lives of others to feel and live their best lives! Shelly is a retired college professor, is partnered with a global wellness company, and is passionate about increasing awareness and educating on toxins and ways to reduce our exposure in order to live healthier lifestyles. She is the podcast host of “Words of Wellness” and is the founder of Moms Who Flourish, a community created to empower moms to put their health and self-care as a priority through 1:1 & group mentorship and live wellness in-person events!!
Learn More about Susan Robbins:
Susan is a retired law enforcement officer and an accomplished Certified Epigenetic Human Performance Coach with a diverse and extensive background in wellness. She began her wellness career in 2015 as a holistic health and stress management coach. Her passion for helping others led her to expand her expertise into epigenetics in 2019, where she discovered the missing piece of the health optimization puzzle: Personalized health.
As a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Certified Level 2 Apeiron Zoh Epigenetic Human Performance Coach (DNA), and Certified PH360 Coach through Precision Health Alliance, Susan has developed a unique approach to health and wellness through completely personalized health. She is the proud recipient of the 2023 Precision Health Alliance Coach of the Year award. Susan works with clients to elevate their health and overall quality of life by understanding their unique needs based on their genetic makeup, taking out the guesswork, and getting results.
